From: Interfaith Working Group
Subject: IWG Talladega AL Billy Jack Gaither Letter
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 23:19:09 -0500 (EST)
March 12, 1999
Talladega Daily Home
PO Box 977
Talladega, AL 35160
Dear Editors:
Thank you for your editorial about Billy Jack Gaither.
However, we can do more than legislate against hate
crimes. We are all responsible when people who have
been set apart, stereotyped, and legally discriminated
against are attacked for being different. Gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender people do not have
the same legal rights and responsibilities that
everyone else takes for granted. They continue to be
portrayed (inaccurately) both as a threat to society
at large and as condemned by all religious
institutions. We can help prevent hate crimes from
happening in the first place by standing with those
who are systematically oppressed and speaking out
against violence and discrimination and for equality
and inclusion of all people.
Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators
The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and
organizations and 61 clergy from 15 religious traditions. If you are in
the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious
organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths
are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in
other areas.
--
Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations
http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights,
iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the
voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state.
Sunday May 16, 1999 5pm. Marching In the Light: IWG Benefit Concert. Old
First Reformed Church. 4th and Race, Philadelphia, PA. See the web page.